How I Fixed the SP404 MK2 Looper with Logic Pro Stem Split

The SP404 MK2’s looper is a fun and fast way to sketch out ideas, but it's always had one major limitation: once you stack layers, like drums, synths & guitar, you can’t separate them. They become one single loop. So unless you re-record every element individually or plan things out ahead of time with pattern sequencing, you’re stuck. That’s where Logic Pro’s new Stem Split feature changes everything.

The Problem with the SP404 MK2 Looper

I love using the looper for quick jams. It’s a great way to capture spontaneous creativity. But once you layer multiple instruments, you lose control. There’s no way to solo just the drums or remove a guitar without undoing overdubs or redoing everything. That limits the potential to turn a loop into a full track.

Enter Logic’s Enhanced Stem Split

Logic Pro, a DAW from Apple, recently added a powerful update to their stem-splitting feature. Previously, you could only split audio into drums, bass, melody/other, and vocals. But as of May 2025, they’ve expanded it to include guitar and piano stems as well—making it even more useful for instrumental music.

With this new update, I had an idea: what if I use the SP404 MK2 looper to build out a full loop, then bounce that stereo loop into Logic and use stem splitting to isolate each part?

Testing the Workflow:

Here’s what I did:

1. Built a Loop on the SP404 MK2: I started with a 4-bar drum loop using sounds from my Coastal Cuts sample pack. Then I added guitar and synth textures using external input and some heavy SP-style reverb.

2. Recorded the Loop into Logic: After finishing the loop, I recorded the stereo mix into Logic. Since everything was layered on the looper, it came in as a single stereo file.

3. Used Stem Split: With the new Enhanced Stem Split in Logic, I isolated the drums, bass, guitar, piano, and other elements. Surprisingly, it worked really well—even keeping the effects from the SP on the respective stems!

4. Rebuilt the Track with Control: Now with each part separated, I could:

   • Remix the loop directly in Logic.

   • Or send each stem back into the SP404 MKII to assign them to patterns and build a full track using pattern sequencing.

   
   

Why This is Game Changing

This workflow solves the biggest issue with the SP404’s looper: lack of layer control. By bouncing your loop into Logic and using Stem Split, you can turn a fully stacked SP404 jam into editable, isolated audio tracks—without needing to redo anything.

This gives you the best of both worlds:

• Speed and inspiration of the SP404 MK2 looper.

• Precision and flexibility of Logic Pro for arrangement and mixing.

You can use this to:

• Remix live jams.

• Add transitions and automation in Logic.

• Reimport stems to SP patterns for a performance-ready setup.

I get it, this might seem like a roundabout way to work, but for live hardware jams that feel right in the moment, it’s a huge win! You can now treat the looper as a creative sketchpad and refine later.

If this kind of workflow sounds interesting, or you want a deeper breakdown of routing, reimporting, or even using other DAWs/Samplers, click here for personalized coaching to help you finish more beats and get your music heard.

New to the SP404 MK2? Grab my Quick Start Guide to learn all the key features and workflows so you can dive in and start making music right away.

SP404 MK2 Beatmaking & Live Sets Cheat Sheet

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